cham·o·mile

chamomile

/cham·o·mile/ (kam´o-mēl) ( -mīl) German chamomile; the dried flower heads of the herb Matricaria recutita, used for inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and as a topical counterirritant and antiinflammatory.

English chamomile , Roman chamomile the dried flowers of the perennial herb Chamaemelum nobile, used as a homeopathic preparation and in folk medicine as a carminative and counterirritant.

chamomile

[kam′əmēl]

an herb with both annual and perennial forms, native to Germany, Hungary, and other areas of Europe.

uses It is used externally as an antiseptic and soothing agent for inflamed skin and minor wounds. Internally, it is used as an antispasmodic, gas-relieving, and antiinflammatory agent for the treatment of digestive problems; as a light sleep aid and sedative for adults and children; and as a possible anticancer agent. It is likely safe when used in medicinal amounts for a short term.

contraindications It should not be used during pregnancy (Chamaemelum nobile) and lactation; it may be used in children. Cross-hypersensitivity may result from allergy to sunflowers, ragweed, or members of the aster family (echinacea, feverfew, milk thistle). People with asthma should also avoid its use.

chamomile

Ayurvedic medicineChamomile has been used for women’s complaints, indigestion and colicky children.

n a colorless to light blue oil that turns yellow upon storage. Commonly used as an antispasmodic; the herb from which it is derived is used to dispel gas and relieve colic. See also Chamaemelum nobile.

Chamomile.

chamomile, camomile

derived from flowerheads of two species of Compositae; used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseborrheic activity, usually topically but also administered orally as a tea for indigestion and in the treatment of calf scours.

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